Thanksgiving meal to the hungry,

Tarence Wheeler and Derrick Coleman have known each other since their basketball days at Detroit Southwestern and Detroit Northern, respectively.

Going on 19 years, they’ve fed the hungry in Detroit and metro area during Thanksgiving week, now they’ve joined forces with Forgotten Harvest to hand out about 5,000 turkeys and the fixings that go with them.

“We sat down many, many, moons ago and asked how can we make an impact on our community?’’ Wheeler said of his relationship with Coleman, who turned 50 in June.

“We went from 200 turkeys, initially, to this year we’re on target for 5,000. This is an event. There a health and human services component to it.’’

Wheeler called it the Ritz Carlton of community events. Coleman praised Kirk Mayes, CEO of Forgotten Harvest, for his vision and ability to serve the community.

On Monday from 5-8 p.m., DC Elite (Coleman’s pride and joy) and Forgotten Harvest will have a Basketball Re-Pack at 21800 Greenfield in Oak Park. After preparing the food, it will be distributed at River Rouge High School gymnasium on Tuesday morning.

Multi-platinum and Grammy nominee Big Sean, former Pistons Chauncey Billups, Willie Burton, Rick Mahorn, Earl Cureton, Terry Mills, Grant Long, James (Budda’) Edwards are just some of the celebrities who will be on hand Monday to pack food for those in need during the holiday.

Coleman, the No. 1 pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, and Wheeler have even lured the likes of actresses Robin Givens and Jackée Harry, former Lions Herman Moore and Lomas Brown, boxer Thomas (Hitman) Hearns and actor Hill Harper.

It’s called the annual All-Star Giveback.

“We call it that because everyone is an All-Star and everyone is important,’’ said Coleman.

An army of volunteers will help hand out 12- to 15-pound turkeys, two canned goods, a box of stuffing, macaroni and cheese and Jiffy corn meal on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Forgotten Harvest is already bringing some prepared meals,’’ said Wheeler. “That’s separate from what we already have. That’s extra. People are walking away with so much food, it’s like they’re shopping at Meijer or Kroger.’’

Both said there’s no grocery stores in the River Rouge area, forcing families to go to Lincoln Park or Allen Park to shop.

“This is critical; we don’t need a Savior, we need more service in our community,’’ said Wheeler. "It is absolutely less judgement, more help. We operate by one simple premise: If not us, then who? If not now, than when? What are we waiting on? We have to do it.’’

Coleman said poverty isn’t confined to Detroit.

“It’s Wayne County, Macomb County, Oakland County and Downriver,’’ said Coleman. “With all the development in the New Center area and Detroit, it’s something that’s being overlooked.

“When we first started we did this in my neighborhood, Then we branched out to Northwest Activity Center, Don Bosco and all across the area.’’

Before food is distributed, representatives from the FBI will give residents a summary of what is being done in the community to keep it safe. DTE Energy will pass out information on setting up payment plans for the winter months. And the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency will discuss renter’s assistance.